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Post by McFly on Dec 6, 2021 9:03:24 GMT 12
The Final Flight of Orion NZ4206 - 13 Dec 2021 (In from the 5 Sqn Association) Retirement of NZ4206 – On Monday, 13 December 2021, P3-K2 NZ4206, the Ex RAAF Australian heavy weight version, will be making its last flight from Whenuapai. Exact timings for departure are TBC but they will be departing in time to make a 1330 flypast at Ohakea for the Poseidon Transition Unit (PTU) Opening Ceremony. Expect departure from NZWP should be around 1230pm. Some additional history for NZ4206 on this forum - Here
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 6, 2021 13:26:31 GMT 12
Where is it going after the flypast? Will it be scrapped?
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Post by camtech on Dec 6, 2021 13:34:28 GMT 12
To Woodbourne for parting out.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 6, 2021 13:35:03 GMT 12
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Post by McFly on Dec 6, 2021 13:59:07 GMT 12
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Post by johnnyfalcon on Dec 6, 2021 20:01:58 GMT 12
Damn, Lockheed built them strong! That's heartwrenching to watch and hear...
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Post by tbf2504 on Dec 7, 2021 7:03:18 GMT 12
In the 5 squadron Association update by Ron Logan on NZ4206's retirement he also mentions that NZ4204 had been busy,
"NZ4204 (Christine) has been amazing for us at home picking up the lions share of the flying." Do all of the Orions have a name???
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 7, 2021 8:41:32 GMT 12
Very interesting, I'd like to know too.
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Post by corsairarm on Dec 7, 2021 10:15:32 GMT 12
Can't they park one up at Whenuapai as a gate guardian? It would look great.
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Post by McFly on Dec 7, 2021 10:40:53 GMT 12
Can't they park one up at Whenuapai as a gate guardian? It would look great. Don't think the poles would be strong enough to support it...! Anyhow there's already a Spitfire there...   |
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Post by pepe on Dec 7, 2021 11:39:44 GMT 12
Can't they park one up at Whenuapai as a gate guardian? It would look great. Don't think the poles would be strong enough to support it...! Anyhow there's already a Spitfire there... IMHO a P-3K2 is a much more appropriate candidate for a gate guardian than a Spitfire (I don't think too many Spitfire squadrons operated from Whenuapai...) An Orion gate guardian would certainly be more difficult to establish and maintain. |
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Post by McFly on Dec 7, 2021 12:24:57 GMT 12
(I don't think too many Spitfire squadrons operated from Whenuapai...) Do two Spitfires operating from Whenuapai count as a squadron...?   |
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Post by pepe on Dec 7, 2021 12:37:46 GMT 12
Nice try, but yeah nah... and one is not a "real" Spitfire  .... |
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Post by McFly on Dec 7, 2021 13:03:26 GMT 12
IMHO a P-3K2 is a much more appropriate candidate for a gate guardian than a Spitfire (I don't think too many Spitfire squadrons operated from Whenuapai...) Sorted...   |
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Post by pepe on Dec 7, 2021 13:34:11 GMT 12
Magnificent work!
Though I have one small suggestion. I think the aircraft would be better mounted with the undercarriage up. I can forsee the wheel bays becoming home for @ 200 assorted birds...
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Post by machina on Dec 7, 2021 17:19:52 GMT 12
(I don't think too many Spitfire squadrons operated from Whenuapai...) Do two Spitfires operating from Whenuapai count as a squadron...? When/what was this? |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2021 17:21:53 GMT 12
That's sad news. I wish I could be there to see her Ohakea flyby.
Is it likely parts such as the cockpit can be saved for preservation, or is everything to go into the spares stores for the remaining airframes?
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Post by shorty on Dec 7, 2021 19:20:28 GMT 12
McFly asked-"Do two Spitfires operating from Whenuapai count as a squadron...? " Going on the current Air Force strength -YES! |
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Post by ErrolC on Dec 7, 2021 20:46:19 GMT 12
McFly asked-"Do two Spitfires operating from Whenuapai count as a squadron...? " Going on the current Air Force strength -YES! Well 10 Sqn RAAF is their two ELINT Orion's. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on Dec 7, 2021 21:02:52 GMT 12
The No. 485 (NZ) Squadron Reunion that used to happen annually at Whenuapai. This was the very first outing for Doug's Spitfire, and seeing it paired up with Brendon's Spitfire was a huge thrill. The following year they were back and Mustang ZK-TAF was with them. Trying to recall, was this 2009, Marty? |
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